Usually available: All year

Life cycle: Perennial
Height: 70cm - 1m
Position: Sun / part shade
Soil preference: Well drained

This is how we pack and send your Herb Plants to all states except TAS & WA

You will receive
- 1 Salvia 'Huntington Red' Herb Plant in a 50 X 75mm tube - General growing instructions

All of our Herb Plants are grown organically with certified organic potting mixes and fertilizers

Botanical Name: Salvia microphylla Huntington

Salvia microphylla ‘Huntington Red’ is an evergreen plant, growing from 70cm to 1 meter and spreading from 60 to 75cm. It has a shrubby growth habit with many thin, but firm and upright stems. The striking dark coloured stems approach black in colour and show off the red flowers. The calyces are almost black and put on their own show, as they wait in small clusters to open and let the floral display begin. The leaves are small, ovate and green, providing a nice background when the flowers appear. The flowers have a large lower lobe and smaller upper lobe sitting up above. Salvia Huntington Red will flower sporadically all year when there are mild winters, but late spring and autumn are the main flowering periods.

This salvia is native to the mountainous regions of Mexico and Arizona. The Greek word ‘microphylla’ refers to the small size of the leaf and this group of salvias is often called the ‘Little Leafed Sages’. Salvia microphylla hybridises very easily and as a result there are many cultivars for gardeners to choose from. Huntington Red originated from the Huntington Botanical Gardens in California and may also be called Huntington Red Sage.

The salvia family has over 900 members with an extensive history as culinary, medicinal and ornamental plants. Ornamental salvias have become collectors items, as gardeners try to find a place in their garden for each and every one. There are salvias that will suit every type of soil and climate. More information on the Salvia genus and Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) may be found on our Common Sage page.

Growing Conditions

Huntington Red Sage grows best in full sun, but may take part shade. It has a preference for enriched soil that is well drained. It is considered to be both frost and drought tolerant. However, until it is established the plant should be given regular deep watering. This is best continued in the heat of summer although the plant has low water requirements overall. This salvia is also considered to be frost hardy but some experimentation may be needed.

Salvia microphylla varieties can spread a little and show some prostrate growth, but should be easily controlled. Trimming back by a third after flowering will help keep the plant tidy and promote flowering. Huntington Red Sage is recommended as a good beginners’ salvia. It is a fast grower and will flower in the first year. Planting in groups will help maximise the eye catching floral display.

Medicinal Uses

In Mexico this plant is grown for medicinal purposes and a tea may be made from its leaves.

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only. Please seek professional advice before commencing any treatment.